Texas Tech, Arizona Set For Halloween Top-25 Showdown In Lubbock

Texas Tech football is setting the stage for a Halloween showdown in Lubbock, and the Red Raiders could have another nationally ranked opponent standing between them and a perfect season.

No. 8 Texas Tech will host No. 25 Arizona on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. The Big 12 Conference announced the start time Monday, with national television coverage coming on either ABC or ESPN. The final network assignment will be determined following this weekend's games.

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It's another opportunity for Joey McGuire's Red Raiders to demonstrate why they're among college football's legitimate championship contenders.

Texas Tech climbed to No. 8 in Sunday's Associated Press Top 25 and No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll after dismantling Arizona State 53-25 at home.

The victory improved the Red Raiders to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play, making them one of just six remaining undefeated teams nationally.

Arizona, meanwhile, enters the week 5-1 and ranked No. 25 after breaking into the AP poll for the first time this season.

If both teams maintain their rankings, Halloween will feature one of college football's most compelling conference matchups.

The Red Raiders also have recent history on their side.

Texas Tech defeated Arizona 28-22 in Tucson during the 2024 season, the programs' first meeting as Big 12 opponents. The October 31 contest will mark their second conference meeting since Arizona joined the league.

But McGuire's team can't afford to start thinking about Halloween just yet.

First comes Saturday's trip to Cincinnati, where Texas Tech will face the Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. That game also kicks off at 11 a.m. CT and will be televised nationally on FS1.

Cincinnati enters the week 4-2, giving the Red Raiders another important road test as they pursue an undefeated regular season and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

The Big 12 championship race is becoming increasingly competitive, with undefeated BYU and Utah joining Texas Tech among the nation's top 10 teams.

Every conference victory matters.

The Halloween matchup also provides another opportunity for Texas Tech fans to make their presence felt in Lubbock.

Tickets remain available through the university's official athletics website, although inventory is limited for the Red Raiders' remaining home games.

Following Arizona, Texas Tech will host West Virginia on November 7 before welcoming rival TCU for a Thanksgiving Night showdown November 26.

For now, the focus remains on Cincinnati.

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But should Texas Tech take care of business Saturday, Halloween in Lubbock could become considerably more significant than another holiday on the college football calendar.

With national television exposure, conference championship implications and potentially two ranked teams involved, the Red Raiders have another opportunity to make a statement.